How to Schedule a Jewelry Repair Appointment with Nina Raizel

April 21, 2025

I’ve been super busy with repairs, and wanted to show you all how to book an appointment with me!

At Seattle Jewelry Repair, we strive to make the jewelry repair process as smooth and efficient as possible. Whether you need a simple ring resize, a quick chain repair, or something more intricate, scheduling an appointment is easy. Here’s how to get started:

Step 1: Visit Our Online Booking Page

To schedule your repair appointment, head over to our Get Started page. At the bottom of the page you’ll find all the details you need to book a time that works for you.

Step 2: Determine The service you need

For most ring resizes and chain repairs, you can book directly through our online system. However, if your repair is more complex—such as a prong rebuild, stone replacement, or a custom request—we ask that you email us first to discuss the details. This helps ensure we have the right materials and feel ready for your repair.

If you need a quote before booking, please include clear photos of your jewelry and a description of the issue in your email. We’ll get back to you promptly with more information.

Step 3: Book Your Appointment

Once you’ve determined the type of repair you need, simply choose an available time slot through our scheduling system. We’re usually available weekdays 10-6 and sometime on Saturdays. Most chain repairs can be completed in under 30 minutes while you wait, making it a quick and convenient process. Ring resizes, swapping out earring posts, and other simple repairs usually take about a day.

Step 4: Drop Off Your Jewelry

At your appointment, we’ll assess your piece and confirm the details before starting the repair. If additional work is required beyond the scheduled service, we’ll discuss options with you before proceeding.

Step 5: Pick Up and Enjoy!

For quick repairs, you can wait while we complete the work. For more extensive repairs, we’ll provide a timeline and notify you when your jewelry is ready.

We’re here to help bring your cherished pieces back to life. Have questions? Reach out via email, and we’ll be happy to assist!

The Tools of the Trade: A Look Inside My Jewelry Studio

March 17, 2025

Jewelry fabrication requires a balance of time-honored techniques and modern technology. At Nina Raizel Jewelry, I rely on specialized tools to create each piece of jewelry. From delicate engravings to precision welding, here’s a look at some of the essential equipment I use day to day.

Laser Engraver

Adding intricate details or personal touches to a piece requires precision, and my laser engraver allows me to create fine, permanent markings without disturbing the integrity of the metal. Whether engraving initials on a wedding band or adding a decorative pattern to a pendant, this tool ensures crisp, clean results.

Laser Welder

Traditional soldering methods are valuable, but a laser welder takes precision to the next level. This tool allows me to make seamless repairs on delicate jewelry, from fixing prong settings to reattaching tiny chain links. Because the laser’s heat is so localized, it minimizes the risk of damaging nearby gemstones or delicate details.

Oxy-Propane Torch

For tasks that require a more traditional approach, my oxy-propane torch is indispensable. This torch provides the high heat necessary for soldering, annealing, and melting metal. Unlike an acetylene torch, the oxy-propane setup burns cleaner, making it an excellent choice for working with fine jewelry metals like gold, platinum, and silver.

Ultrasonic Cleaner

Jewelry accumulates dirt, oils, and residue over time, and an ultrasonic cleaner is my go-to for restoring its brilliance. Using high-frequency sound waves, this tool creates microscopic bubbles that gently lift debris from intricate settings and hard-to-reach crevices. It’s an essential step in my repair and restoration process to ensure every piece shines like new.

Microscope

The finer details of jewelry work—whether it’s inspecting a prong setting, identifying inclusions in a gemstone, or performing delicate engraving—require magnification beyond the naked eye. A high-quality microscope allows me to work with absolute precision, ensuring that even the smallest tasks are executed flawlessly.

GraverMax

Hand engraving and stone setting demand both skill and control, and my GraverMax system enhances both. This air-powered engraving tool allows me to carve intricate designs and set stones with expert accuracy. By offering a combination of power and finesse, it makes it possible to execute detailed embellishments and secure gemstones with confidence.

Bridging Tradition and Innovation

Each tool in my studio plays a critical role in the jewelry making process. By combining traditional craftsmanship with state-of-the-art technology, I ensure that every piece receives the care and precision it deserves.

Embracing Nature: A New Collection of Inspired Necklaces & Rings

February 17, 2025

Nature has long been a source of inspiration for art, storytelling, and craftsmanship. As a jeweler, I find the organic textures, fluid lines, and subtle asymmetry of the natural world endlessly fascinating. My latest collection of necklaces and rings is a love letter to the raw beauty of the Pacific Northwest—each piece reflecting the landscape’s intricate details, resilience, and quiet strength.

Frolic Earrings - Turquoise and Sterling Silver

$145.00

Aura Earrings - Sterling Silver and Labradorite

$148.00

Comet Ring - Sterling Silver and Apache Gold Pyrite

$236.00

Enclosure Ring - Amethyst and Sterling Silver

$163.00

Breeze Earrings - Sterling Silver and Chalcedony

$156.00

As always, sustainability is at the heart of my work. The metals used are recycled, and each gemstone is sourced with ethical practices in mind. This collection is a reflection not just of nature’s beauty but also of our responsibility to preserve and honor it.

I can’t wait for you to explore these pieces and find the one that speaks to you. Whether you feel drawn to the quiet strength of a river stone ring or the soft radiance of a leaf-textured pendant, I hope this collection serves as a reminder of the wonder that surrounds us every day.

Stay tuned for the official launch, and as always, thank you for being part of this journey.

— Nina

The Art of Collaboration

January 19, 2025

The Art of Collaboration: The Importance of Working with Galleries, Boutiques, and Museum Stores in Selling Art Jewelry

In the world of art jewelry, the collaboration between artists and retail spaces like galleries, boutiques, and museum stores plays a crucial role in bringing unique creations to a broader audience. These partnerships are essential for artists looking to showcase their work, build their brand, and connect with customers who appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship of fine jewelry.

Expanding Reach and Visibility

One of the most significant advantages of working with galleries, boutiques, and museum stores is the increased visibility they provide. These venues attract a diverse clientele who are specifically interested in unique, handcrafted items. By showcasing jewelry in these spaces, artists can reach new customers who may not have discovered their work otherwise. This exposure is especially beneficial for emerging artists or those looking to establish a presence in new markets.

Enhancing Credibility and Prestige

Displaying art jewelry in reputable galleries and museum stores adds a layer of credibility and prestige to an artist's work. These venues are often associated with high-quality, curated collections, and being featured alongside other esteemed artists can elevate the perceived value of the jewelry. This association can also open doors to additional opportunities, such as exhibitions, collaborations, and media features.

Fostering Relationships with Customers

Boutiques and galleries provide a personal and intimate setting for customers to experience art jewelry. Unlike mass-market retail stores, these spaces allow for meaningful interactions between the artist (or their representative) and the customer. This direct engagement helps customers understand the story behind each piece, the materials used, and the inspiration driving the design, creating a deeper connection to the jewelry.

Encouraging Artistic Growth

Collaborating with galleries, boutiques, and museum stores can also inspire artistic growth. Feedback from gallery owners, curators, and customers can provide valuable insights into market trends and preferences, guiding artists in refining their designs and exploring new creative directions. Additionally, being part of a curated collection often challenges artists to push their boundaries and innovate, leading to the evolution of their craft. This relationship also give the artists more time and energy to work on their art, instead of trying to sell it themselves. Of course, many artists also do a lot of markets, pop up sales, and trunk shows to support themselves and meet their customers.

Conclusion

The partnership between jewelry artists and retail spaces like galleries, boutiques, and museum stores is mutually beneficial. It enables artists to showcase their work to a broader audience, gain credibility, and build lasting relationships with customers. For customers, it provides an opportunity to discover unique, high-quality pieces with a story and a soul. This synergy ultimately fosters a vibrant community that celebrates the artistry and craftsmanship of fine jewelry, ensuring its continued appreciation and success in the market.

Discover the artistry of Nina Raizel's handcrafted jewelry at select galleries and boutiques across the United States. Each piece is meticulously designed and fabricated in Seattle, reflecting a commitment to conscious design and sustainability. Explore these esteemed locations to find her unique creations:

Seattle, Washington:

Fancy
- Address: 2921 E Madison St Suite 2, Seattle, WA 98112
- Website: heyfancy.com
Frye Art Museum Store
- Address: 704 Terry Ave, Seattle, WA 98104
- Website: store.fryemuseum.org
Columbia City Gallery
- Address: 4864 Rainier Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118
- Website: columbiacitygallery.com
Retrofit Home
- Address: 1103 E Pike St, Seattle, WA 98122
- Website: retrofit.com